While BAC Panama remained in top position, other Colombian-owned lenders fared less well in the Top 100 Central American Banks ranking, leaving the way open for Panamanian, Costa Rican and Guatemalan banks to make up ground.

Guatemala's economy is maintaining its steady recovery, based on sound fiscal and monetary policies as well as limited exposure to global banking markets. Now the banks are consolidating their position and reaching out to the country's vast unbanked population. Writer Jane Monahan

In response to rising inflation, Guatemala has adjusted its interest rates eight times in the past two years, and is working carefully to co-ordinate its monetary and fiscal policies, explains the president of Banco de Guatemala. Writer John Rumsey.

The Guatemalan economy has big potential, particularly in fuel and food production. The country’s minister of finance talks about his fiscal reform programme and intent to create a sustainable tax base. Writer John Rumsey.

Guatemala’s poor infrastructure puts off investors and makes the country less able to fully profit from free-trade deals. Monica Campbell explains why, with elections looming, little change is likely for the time being.